Before the M1, I was stuck using an intel core i5 running arch linux. My intel mac managed to die months before the M1 came out. Let's just say that the M1 really made me appreciate how stupidly slow that intel hardware is. I was losing lots of time doing builds. The laptop would be unusable during those builds.
Life is too short for crappy hardware. From a software point of view, I could live with Linux but not with Windows. But the hardware is a show stopper currently. I need something that runs cool and yet does not compromise on performance. And all the rest (non-crappy trackpad, amazingly good screen, cool to the touch, good battery life, etc.). And manages to look good too. I'm not aware of any windows/linux laptop that does not heavily compromise on at least a few of those things. I'm pretty sure I can get a fast laptop. But it'd be hot and loud and have the unusable synaptics trackpad. And a mediocre screen. Etc. In short, I'd be missing my mac.
Apple is showing some confidence by just designing a laptop that isn't even close to being cheap. This thing was well over 4K euros. Worth every penny. There aren't a lot of intel/amd laptops in that price class. Too much penny pinching happening in that world. People think nothing of buying a really expensive car to commute to work. But they'll cut on the thing that they use the whole day when they get there. That makes no sense whatsoever in my view.
I’ve actually been debating moving from the Pro to the Air. The M4 is about on par with the M1 Pro for a lot of things. But it’s not that much smaller, so I’d be getting a lateral performance move and losing ports, so I’m going to wait and see what the future holds.
I've been window shopping for a couple of months now, have test run Linux and really liking the experience there (played on older Intel hardware). I am completely de-appled software-wise, with the 1 exception of iMessages because of my kids using ipads. But that's really about it. So, I'm ready to jump.
But so far, all my research hasn't lead to anything where I would be convinced not to regret in the end. A desktop Ryzen 7700 or 9600X would probably suffice, but it would mean I need to constantly switch machines and I'm not sure if I'm ready for that. All mobile non-macs have significant downsides and you can't even try before you buy anywhere typically. So you'd be relying on reviews. But everybody has a different tolerance for changes like track pad haptics, thermals, noise, screen quality etc. So, those reviews don't give enough confidence. I've had 13 Apple years so far. First 5 were pleasant, next 3 really sucked but since Apple silicon I feel I have totally forgotten all the suffering in the non-Apple world and with those noisy, slow Intel Macs.
I think it has to boil down to serious reasons why the Apple hardware is not fit for one's purpose. Be it better gaming, extreme amount of storage, insane amount of RAM, all while ignoring the value of "the perfect package" and it's low power draw, low noise etc. Something that does not make one regret the change. DHH has done it and so have others, but he switched to Framework Desktop AI Max. So it came with a change in lifestyle. And he also does gaming, that's another good reason (to switch to Linux or dual boot (as he mentioned Fortnite)).
I don't have such reasons currently. Unless we see hardware that is at least as fast and enjoyable like the M1 Pro or higher. I tried Asahi but it's quite cumbersome with the dual boot and also DP Alt not there yet and maybe never will, so I gave up on that.
So, I'll wait another year and will see then. I hope I don't get my company to buy me an M4 Max Ultra or so as that will ruin my desire to switch for 10 more years I guess.
Yeah, those glossy mirror-like displays in which you see yourself much better than the displayed content are polished really well
Hah, it's exactly the other way around for me; I can't stand Apple's hardware. But then again I never bought anything Asus... let alone gamer laptops.
Not sure why they can follow ANSI in the US but not ISO here. I just have to override the layout and ignore the symbols.
Apple on the other hand doesn't offer such machines... actually never has. To me, prizing maintainability, expandability, modularity, etc., their laptops are completely undesireable even within the confines of their outdated form factor; their efficient performance is largely irrelevant, and their tablets are much too enshittified to warrant consideration. And that's before we get into the OS and eco-system aspects. :)
First two years it was solid, but then weird stuff started happening like the integrated GPU running full throttle at all times and sleep mode meaning "high temperature and fans spinning to do exactly nothing" (that seems to be a Windows problem because my work machine does the same).
Meanwhile the manufacturer, having released a new model, lost interest, so no firmware updates to address those issues.
I currently have the Framework 16 and I'm happy with it, but I wouldn't recommend it by default.
I for one bought it because I tend to damage stuff like screens and ports and it also enables me to have unusual arrangements like a left-handed numpad - not exactly mainstream requirements.